Project Title:
Elevating Minimalist Luxury: A Floor-to-Ceiling Electric Fireplace Installation in a Scottsdale Estate
Client Profile:
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Property: 7,200 sq ft contemporary-style custom home
Client Goal: To integrate a dramatic, ultra-modern focal point that offers visual warmth and functional ambiance without the maintenance of wood or gas fireplaces.
Project Overview
In the heart of Arizona’s upscale Desert Mountain community, a discerning homeowner sought to blend technology, luxury, and modern design by incorporating a floor-to-ceiling electric fireplace into the great room.
The objective was to create a stunning focal feature that harmonized with the home’s natural palette while upholding minimalist aesthetics.
Design Objectives
- Create visual drama without overloading the space
- Achieve a clean, linear look to match modern architectural cues
- Use natural materials to connect with the desert landscape
- Maximize energy efficiency and eliminate the need for ventilation
- Ensure the installation integrates seamlessly with smart home systems
Materials and Installation
Fireplace Model Chosen:
Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 100” – Known for its edge-to-edge glass, customizable flame options, and compatibility with home automation.
Surround Material:
- Natural Honed Travertine Slabs (18”x36”) sourced from Turkey
- Chosen for its neutral warmth, subtle veining, and low-gloss finish
- Full-height layout (13 feet) without horizontal breaks to reinforce vertical drama
Installation Details:
- Recessed wall cavity to allow flush-mount installation
- Heat-resistant fire-rated backing and framing
- Hidden conduit for power, smart wiring, and remote access
- Integrated LED uplighting above and below the unit for nighttime glow
Aesthetic Integration
The fireplace surround was engineered to create a seamless continuation of the wall, stretching from floor to ceiling without any mantels or shelving. The natural stone slabs provide a sense of organic elegance and texture without distracting from the linear flame view.
To preserve the clean, gallery-like aesthetic, the electric fireplace includes a frameless trim kit. The look is further elevated by monochrome grout that matches the travertine, creating an uninterrupted flow.
Trends Reflected in the Project
- Minimalism with Impact
- Large-scale electric fireplaces with zero clearance are becoming central features in luxury living spaces.
- Designers favor symmetry, sharp lines, and large format materials (like stone or porcelain panels) to create sleek but powerful statements.
- Natural Materials in Modern Design
- High-end homeowners are opting for real stone and artisanal tiles over synthetic options to add authenticity and tactile contrast in otherwise minimalist interiors.
- Sustainable Luxury
- Electric fireplaces are increasingly popular in eco-conscious luxury homes due to zero emissions, energy-efficient LED flames, and no need for gas lines or chimneys.
- Smart Integration
- This installation includes voice control via Alexa and Google Home, custom scheduling, and adaptive brightness, reflecting demand for seamless integration with smart home ecosystems.
Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Weight and handling of large stone slabs | Reinforced wall studs, and lift-assisted installation methods |
| Aligning seams with full-height stone | Laser-guided layout and precision cut-to-fit travertine |
| Heat dispersion in enclosed framing | Used heat redirecting kits and thermostatically controlled vents to guide heat outward safely |
| Matching grout and stone color tones | Custom color-matched grout mixed onsite for visual consistency |
Final Result
The finished product is a striking, 13-foot-high fireplace feature that redefines luxury without clutter or compromise. It radiates subtle opulence, with flickering flames dancing across the expansive width of the Dimplex IgniteXL Bold. The natural stone surround blends timeless materiality with a distinctly contemporary presence.
Client Feedback
“It’s everything I imagined and more. I love how it makes a statement but never feels overdone. The stone is warm and grounding, and the fire adds life without any fuss. It’s our favorite part of the house.”
— Homeowner, Scottsdale, AZ
Key Takeaways
- Luxury is shifting toward understated elegance with floor-to-ceiling installations and monolithic materials.
- Electric fireplaces allow unmatched design freedom, especially in modern homes where venting or gas isn’t practical.
- Stone surrounds bring a grounded richness, making them ideal for creating bold, vertical focal points without overwhelming the space.
- Customization and smart tech are essential to meet the expectations of today’s high-end clients.
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Hello!! I am Jamal Khan. I often fix my home electric heaters and gas stove problems and research the common issues in the heating units to improve my knowledge and expertise. The aim of establishing fireplaceadviser.com is to share my expertise and knowledge with my audience.
